All-new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross unveiled ahead of Geneva debut

Mitsubishi is set to unveil its new Eclipse Cross compact SUV at the Geneva Motor Show on March 7. Teased earlier this year through a series of shadowy images showing the side profile and rear quarter angle of the crossover, the new model has been given a first look today with the release of the first official photo of the car.

The new Eclipse Cross is said to be a fusion of sharp coupe looks and dynamic SUV mobility with “signature Mitsubishi styling and performance”. At the front it adopts the company’s Dynamic Shield front fascia design theme with a blacked out grille flanked by chrome highlights.

The rear is lifted by the tubular LED brake lights and the central LED hi-mount stop light, joined to form a single bar of light running across the tail, giving Eclipse Cross a “broad appearance” from the behind.

Joining the company’s colour palette is a new red which uses a special coating layered with a semi-transparent red and clear coating. The new paint process is said to create a high colour saturation and intensity that produces an even more refined finish.

Inside, the horizontal dashboard features silver metal highlights on top of a black/silver monotone colour scheme which Mitsubishi says create a refined interior that is both dynamic and sporty.

Making first application in a Mitsubishi model is the new Touchpad Controller for operating the infotainment system, while Head-Up Display and Smartphone Link Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will also be available.

Powering the Eclipse Cross are two new turbocharged four-cylinder engines: a newly developed 1.5-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine mated to a new CVT with 8-stepped manual mode, and a 2.2-litre direct-injection turbo diesel engine paired to a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Both powertrains drive through Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system with brake-based torque vectoring at the rear axle for sharper dynamics.

While there have been rumors about a replacement for the aging but still popular ASX, Mitsubishi’s latest SUV will join the range as a completely new model, slotting between the ASX city crossover and Outlander mid-size SUV.